Louise Goldsmith, leader of West Sussex County Council (photo submitted). SUS-150522-082832001

Published:07:34Wednesday 01 July 2015

Louise Goldsmith, Leader of West Sussex County Council, said: “Like many residents and businesses across West Sussex we have been waiting for the Airport Commission’s recommendations for quite some time.

“We appreciate today’s news about Heathrow will be welcomed by many residents across West Sussex who live close to Gatwick Airport or under flight paths. They have been campaigning against a second runway at Gatwick.

“However, it’s important to remember that this is just a recommendation and the Government now has to reach its final decision. We hope that will be in the near future so that communities are not left in limbo.

“Although the Commission has recommended allocating a new runway to Heathrow Airport, there is still scope for increased use of Gatwick Airport. Even without a second runway, flight and passenger numbers are projected to rise over the coming years so there will still be effects on the economic opportunities for our county and the communities within it. It is important to maintain and optimise the potential of Gatwick Airport in its current configuration - one runway and two terminals.

“It is also important that the necessary investment is made in our infrastructure around the airport - something we as a county council and local campaign groups have been calling for over recent years and even more important now in light of today’s recommendations.

“We will continue to work with Gatwick Airport Limited, local partners, the Government and its agencies to plan for the growth of the Airport in its current format with a view to achieving the best possible outcomes for our local communities.”